The Victorian Farmers Federation chief executive has stepped down, effective from next week.
Stephen Sheridan, who took on the role in late 2018, will finish with the organisation next Tuesday.
President Emma Germano said after putting the chief executive's role to market in mid-2020, the board ultimately decided to appoint a new chief executive, as the organisation moved into a new phase.
Ms Germano said Mr Sheridan had guided the organisation through the challenges associated with drought, bushfires in 2018 and 2020 and, significantly, COVID-19.
She said he had led the VFF with integrity and professionalism.
"Stephen has overseen the modernisation of VFF information technology capabilities," she said.
That included the implementation of a new integrated platform of customer relationship management system, finance system, marketing, social media systems, along with the launch of a new website.
"Stephen lobbied for, and has driven, the business case for the significant expansion of the VFF's farm safety service offering," she said.
"He has also implemented a greater advocacy focus by VFF on a breadth of issues effecting farmers from animal activism through to industrial manslaughter."
The VFF Board is currently finalising the appointment of a new chief executive.
Current VFF stakeholder, policy and advocacy manager Luke Hooke will serve as acting chief executive in the interim.
Mr Sheridan took on the role in late 2018 after serving as acting chief executive in late 2017 and prior to that VFF grains manager.
